The executive, Alykhan Velshi, previously served as chief of staff to former Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario Leader Patrick Brown.

On Tuesday, a report by The Toronto Star alleged French directed government staff to tell police to raid pot dispensaries on the day of cannabis legalization so images of people in handcuffs would be broadcast on the local news. Multiple sources confirmed the story’s validity to Global News.

Global News has spoken to multiple government sources, some within the Ontario PC Party caucus, who confirm French rules with what they consider to be “an iron fist.”

“He is the one who is really in charge. He controls everyone and everything — staff, cabinet, caucus, appointments. It’s his way or the highway,” a source speaking on the condition of anonymity told Global News.

“I can tell you he wouldn’t work for me. Not a minute longer. That’s not the kind of people we need here to build up the things Ontario needs,” he said.

Fraser said the liberals are thinking about asking the integrity commissioner to look into the reports about French.

The Green Party of Ontario (GPO) has sent a letter to the commissioner’s office asking for an immediate investigation. Leader Mike Schreiner said he can’t understand why Premier Ford has not questioned French about the allegations.

“He’s either grossly ignorant about what’s happening in his office, he’s potentially lying or he’s not providing the leadership you’d expect a premier to provide with staff in his own office.” he said.

In a letter sent to Schreiner and released by the GPO, the province’s integrity commissioner said he can look into French’s alleged actions but can’t make the findings public.